Crediting the Aam Aadmi Party for capturing the imagination of the youth, former Congress man, Dayanand Narvekar said that in 2017 assembly polls AAP will be the main opponent of BJP and not Congress.
Only alliance can save Cong; MGP won’t break ties with BJP; too late for Goa Forward, says former minister
AGNELO PEREIRA
MAPUSA
He also said that time was too short for a new regional party like Goa Forward to make an impact at the polls and MGP would never sever its ties with BJP.
“APP is making a lot of inroads in Goa. The party will acquire significant vote share which will be more than any other new political outfits in Goa,” Narvekar said.
He said it was difficult to predict the number of seats it will bag at this stage but much would depend on the kind of leadership AAP would prop up in Goa.
“But I am sure AAP will sideline Congress and be the main opposition to take on BJP in 2017 polls,” the former Congress man said.
Classifying prospects of Congress as poor for upcoming elections, Narvekar said that the grand old party could revive its chances in alliance but expected the party to reject any tie-up proposals.
“Congress stands no chance. That is why they do not want to bring the opposition groups together. Congress is weak all over the country... In Goa, they have some hope if they have a tie up with other secular parties, which I am sure they will not,” a skeptical Narvekar said.
“It’s too late now. I don’t think a new regional party overnight can win 21 MLAs in Goa like how AAP swept Delhi. AAP worked overtime and achieved that stupendous distinction. It’s difficult for me to fathom,” he said when asked about the impact of Goa Forward in the election.
“Vijay Sardessai is a good leader. There are some good leaders in that party but I don’t know how far they can go. In North Goa, I don’t see their presence anywhere. And in the given time, I don’t think Goa Forward can make the cut,” he added.
On MGP, he said there was no scope for the party to break away from BJP, but expected the party to demand more seats from its senior partner.
“I don’t think MGP will break away from BJP. It’s just a pressure tactic to demand more seats. MGP is only concentrated in one taluka. And it’s a family party. Being in government is their strength,” Narvekar said. “In the last Lok Sabha election a lot of youth came out and voted for Narendra Modi. In this election it may be AAP. The understanding I have received is that AAP has made its presence in almost all the constituencies in Goa at least among the youth,” he said.
On Congress
Poor prospects, but the grand old party could revive its chances in alliance
On Goa Forward
No presence in North Goa. And in the given time, it’s unlikely it can make the cut
On mgp
Won’t sever ties with BJP. Being in government is their strength
